Re-apply Concrete Sealer

Maybe I'm making this too complicated, but I am the type of person that only likes to do things once, and Google has too many opinions. I have had good luck on getting help from other forums here, so I thought I would look for a recommendation here. I have a house from the 50's with a garage floor that has a clear sealer on it. The sealer is becoming worn or degrading due to road salt, traffic, etc. I would like to seal the floor again, but I am concerned with the prep. I am not sure if there is one or two layers of sealer on it. I can see outlines of welcome mats and such in the floor, not sure if this is wear or signs that a sealer was applied more than once. I have no idea if what is there is water based or acrylic. I would like advice on whether I need to completely strip the old stuff off somehow, etch the surface, just clean (& with what), etc. before I try to seal the floor. I would also like to know if anyone has good luck with a particular type of clear sealer. This is no lab setting type of garage, it's got wood paneling, tools, dust, the usual, but is an attached garage and the only entry in to my basement. So the ability to clean/scrub this floor and protect it is the primary objective. Just gathering some info for now to see if I can do this myself, and debating on trying to beat winter or wait until spring. Thanks in advance!

 

If the sealer is original to the house it would be oil base. It's always best to read the sealer label first! Odds are a good cleaning and letting it dry is sufficient prep.

 

Go to a masonry supply retailer for your sealer.....you will find better commercial grade sealers than you will find at a big box store. I used a product called Entex many years ago.

 

Thanks for the information so far guys. I will research the Entex product and look for masonry suppliers in my area for other products that they may recommend. Outside of checking suppliers information for prep, any recommendations on degreaser, cleaners, etc? Considering my floor has been previously sealed, maybe assuming it was an oil product, any recommendations on a sealer's base...water, acrylic, solvent, oil, etc? Or does it matter considering what is there is aged.

 

The guys at the masonry supply place are usually a good source for answering questions. Also, once you pick your product call the manufacturer and talk to customer service or tech support....they'll know best how to prep for and work with their product.

 

mark, why would you posit the original conc sealer is solvent/oil based ? generally speaking, 1 can install wtr-based sealers over solvent,,, however the reverse is to be avoided

 

The odds are any sealer that was applied in the '50s would be solvent based.